Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
Blue-collar jobs in the UAE grew by 69% in 2024, propelled mainly by large-scale residential and industrial construction projects, as well as heightened logistics demand, according to a new report by a Dubai-based recruitment firm.
The "Workforce Trends & Market Insights", published by Innovations Group, attributed the growth to the continued evolution of the country's economic landscape, whilst noting the explosion in off-plan residential developments, which it said generated significant activity within the construction sector.
Additionally, it noted that regional geopolitical factors had caused cargo to be rerouted via UAE ports, driving operational and management (O&M) services in logistics and port management.
"The UAE is a dynamic hub offering a pool of skilled workforce," said Nikhil Nanda, Director at Innovations Group.
Research by Cavendish Maxwell, a regional property consultancy, indicated that the total value of off-plan sales in Dubai and Abu Dhabi exceeded Dh100 billion in the first three quarters of 2024. This figure represented a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
According to Mordor Intelligence, a market research firm, the UAE's infrastructure sector is expected to grow at an average of rate of 5% in the next 5 years.
Further analysis from ProTenders estimated the value of planned construction projects in the UAE at the start of this year to be $112 billion.
Despite the strong demand for blue collar work spurred by construction, the report noted that the white-collar job market saw a 21% decrease in hiring.
The report pointed to offshore centralisation of key functions - such as finance and customer service - by multinational and local companies.
Nevertheless, vacancies in sales and business development remain critical for startups and new enterprises, although it said competition for talent with the right market knowledge and networks is intensifying.
Entry-level roles, including reception and front-office positions, were reportedly on the rise as more companies establish operations in the UAE.
Innovation Group said this growth in foundational roles underscores the country's continued economic expansion.
"It is important for specialised recruitment agencies to develop strategic approaches to address hiring challenges and skill mismatches," Nanda added.
Looking forward, the report highlights the increasing importance of remote and hybrid work for attracting new talent. It noted that the UAE continues to lead in remote work adoption, a practice accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, it saw AI playing an increasing role in workplace productivity, finding that 74% of MENA professionals indicated that AI tools enhance job efficiency.
In recruitment, the groups said artificial intelligence is poised to play a larger role in screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and minimising bias through data-driven evaluations in the years ahead.
Innovations Group said employers were increasingly focusing on specific capabilities and competencies, rather than traditional educational qualifications.
By valuing skillsets over degrees, the group believes companies can access a wider, more diverse talent pool to drive innovation.
